Category Archives: College Admission

Low-income and minority students continue to face barriers to higher education and the resulting gaps have contributed to diminished social mobility in the US, data show.

A new report — Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education— highlights strategies institutions can use to help reverse that trend. The 89-page publication uses federal statistics to demonstrate the scale of the problem and highlights strategies colleges and universities can use to help more underrepresented students get to (and through) college.

How will the next generation of students approach the college search and selection process?

Share your insights and ask questions during Tuesday’s #NACACreads discussion of Generation Z Goes to College. Special guest Meghan Grace, one of the book’s authors, will take part in the Twitter chat and address how this new cohort of students views higher education.

Author note: This piece was written in the days before the Presidential election. The issues discussed here are only more pressing as a wave of bias incidents occur on our campuses and impact our diverse communities.

Can I speak to my white colleagues for a moment? Over the past several years, we Americans have been struggling to confront our racial history — frequent cases of police brutality, racist incidents on college campuses, and a controversial presidential election have dominated the national news cycle. As college admission counselors we may find ourselves engaged in these conversations as well (wittingly or not), given the ways in which racism affects a rapidly diversifying student population. For white counselors in particular, these conversations can feel like uncharted territory.

College counselors looking to help their students explore international higher education options have an easy-to-use new resource.

NACAC’s Guide to International University Admission — released today — features country profiles and admission how-tos for nine destinations that have proven popular among US students seeking full degrees outside their home country. The publication is being released in conjunction with International Education Week, a joint initiative of the US Department of State and the US Department of Education that runs through Friday.

A recent New York Times story says the social media site — a popular networking tool for professionals — is finding its way into the college admission process.

According to the article, some teens are now creating LinkedIn profiles to supplement the materials they send to colleges. They use the site to create a professional-looking resume and include the link on their admission applications.

Educators in south-central Idaho say the state’s direct college admission initiative is working.

The strategy — which involves sending pre-admission notices to qualified 12th graders — was adopted by the Idaho Board of Education two years ago as a way to boost the number of degree holders in the state.

Under the new initiative, students are sent a letter in the fall of their senior year informing them which state colleges they are pre-qualified to attend. The decisions are based on grades and test scores.

Looking for information about community colleges and tools to advocate on their behalf?

Check out ACCT Now, a new resource that delves into trends and data affecting two-year colleges in the US. The site, which launched this month, is overseen by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

“The site includes original reporting, research, and perspectives from ACCT’s public policy staff and guest authors, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates,” according to an email sent to supporters.

President Barack Obama wants young Americans to set their sights on higher education, and he’s asking parents, educators, and community leaders to help.

The commander-in-chief issued an official proclamation last week declaring November National College Application Month.

“This month, we recognize the limitless potential in every student and reaffirm our commitment to offering them the resources they need to succeed,” Obama said in his announcement. “Together, let us forge a future where every student has the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and hard work will take them.”